Amazon KDP: The Price of Convenience in Modern Publishing
Publishing on Amazon KDP can feel like a rite of passage for many authors, especially those taking the indie route. After all, Amazon promises accessibility, global reach, and high royalties. But while it may seem like a dream come true, the truth is that this “dream” comes with trade-offs that are reshaping the literary landscape in ways we can’t ignore. This isn’t just about where you publish your book—it’s about how Amazon’s dominance affects the way we experience books, value literature, and build a sustainable creative career. So, how do we navigate this delicate tension? And more importantly, is Amazon KDP really the right choice for you?
The Allure of Amazon KDP: Why It Feels Like a Necessary Evil
Let’s face it: Amazon KDP is often the easiest option.
Faster Publishing: Self-publishing is faster on KDP than waiting months (or years) for a traditional publisher to approve and print your manuscript.
Competitive Royalties: Authors can earn 70% on eBooks priced between $2.99-$9.99, compared to 10-15% from traditional publishers.
Global Distribution: KDP offers immediate access to an international market, something that would be difficult for independent authors to achieve on their own.
For many authors, especially those just starting out or navigating rejection from traditional publishers, Amazon feels like the only viable option. And on the surface, things look pretty good. This is what makes it a “necessary evil”: It offers what authors want—exposure, speed, and control—but with unintended costs.
Amazon Doesn’t Want Us to Be Great. It Wants World Domination.
Amazon’s dominant position in the market allows them to exert significant control over pricing, distribution, and visibility, making it hard for independent authors and publishers to compete fairly. Their aggressive pricing strategies force everyone else to match their low prices to stay relevant. This uneven playing field hits indie creators the hardest because, without the resources and budgets of big publishers, it becomes soul-crushing to try and keep up.
Depending on how you set up your book, Amazon will take anywhere from 30-65% of your book royalties. If you opt into KDP Select, Amazon reserves the right to set your book's price and can even discount it without your consent. Their pricing model—focused on discounts and convenience—puts immense pressure on independent authors who don’t have thousands of dollars in ad budgets to compete.
And it gets worse. If you use one of Amazon’s free ISBNs, they technically own the exclusive rights to that version of your book, meaning you can’t sell it anywhere else—not even on your own website. This feels icky and invasive when it comes to intellectual property and creative control. It’s no wonder many authors feel trapped, heavily reliant on Amazon to reach readers and build a platform. But that reliance comes at the expense of creative freedom and market flexibility.
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The Algorithms Aren’t in Your Favor
Amazon’s algorithms—designed to push the most popular and well-reviewed books—often leave independent creators in the dust. This means discoverability is driven more by sales velocity and reviews than by merit or uniqueness. It’s not just about writing a great book anymore; it’s about winning a numbers game that feels impossible to beat without constant promotion and paid ads.
The very nature of this system stifles innovation and creativity. Why take risks on new ideas if the algorithm won’t reward them? This problem is even more pronounced for marginalized voices, who already face systemic barriers. Fewer opportunities for exposure mean fewer diverse stories being told. And frankly, Scarlett, that shit ain’t cool.
Amazon’s power doesn’t align with the change we want to see in the publishing world, especially when it comes to equity for women and other marginalized voices. For us, as a press that values integrity and inclusivity, we’ve realized that Amazon isn’t always the answer. Their model is built for profit, not for cultural impact or community-building.
Amazon Is Slowly Hurting Book Culture
Amazon’s focus on low prices and convenience devalues books as more than just products—they become disposable. This expectation for cheap books undermines the effort, time, and artistry that authors put into their work. The long-term consequence? A literary culture that prioritizes price over quality, transforming literature into a mere commodity.
Meanwhile, the retail giant’s dominance contributes to the decline of independent bookstores—the very spaces where authors connect with readers in meaningful ways and where book culture thrives. Fewer indie bookstores mean fewer events, fewer conversations, and fewer opportunities for authors to build genuine relationships with their readers. With one company controlling such a significant portion of the market, we risk losing diversity and innovation. The publishing landscape becomes narrower, and independent creators—those writing from the margins—get pushed even further to the edges.
We’re here so you don’t have to take this publishing journey alone.
Whether you’re in the pursuit of traditional publishing or feeling called to go all-in on self-publishing, our author workshops and publishing services offer you the resources and support you need with a team that wants you to be at the forefront of your creative life.
Amazon Is Not for Everyone: What Do You Want from Your Book?
Choosing Amazon KDP comes down to what you want out of your publishing journey. Are you looking to make quick sales and gain exposure? Or do you want to build deeper, more meaningful connections with your audience over time? If your goal is fast distribution or if you’re publishing niche content that traditional publishers won’t touch, KDP might be a good fit.
If you want to create lasting relationships with readers and maintain control over your creative work, other avenues—like small presses or direct-to-consumer sales—might be better suited for you. This is a choice we've wrestled with ourselves. It’s not easy to go against the grain, especially when Amazon feels like the obvious answer. But for our press, we’ve decided not to publish directly through Amazon. This decision wasn’t made lightly or without research—it reflects our values and what we want to contribute to the literary world.
Do You, Boo: Making an Informed Decision
Please know this: We’re not here to preach. Do you, boo. As publishing advisors, our goal isn’t to tell you what to do—it’s to equip you with the information and tools you need to make the best decision for your journey. If Amazon feels right for you, go off, sis. We’ll share everything we know about how to leverage the platform to your advantage (we know all their secrets). Depending on your goals, budget, and marketing strategy, you might thrive on Amazon’s platform. There are, without a doubt, advantages to publishing through KDP for certain authors.
But if Amazon doesn’t align with your vision, that’s okay too. There are other ways to get your book into the world—ways that honor your creative integrity and allow you to build meaningful relationships with readers.
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The Bottom Line: Name It, Face It, and Take the First Step
In the end, publishing isn’t just about getting your book out there—it’s about doing it on your terms. You don’t have to dive headfirst into the chaos, but taking even a small step toward that goal makes all the difference. Whether that step means uploading your manuscript to KDP or exploring alternative paths, the choice should be intentional and aligned with your values.
At the heart of it all, publishing is about showing up for what matters most to you. For us, that means taking action that aligns with our vision of equity and creativity in the industry. We don’t just want to talk about change—we want to be part of it. And we want the same for you, whatever path you choose.
Because the truth is, there’s no one right way to publish a book—only the way that’s right for you.
Are you an aspiring author? Our Galaxy Publishing Wants to Help You Publish a Book
Our Galaxy Publishing is an all-in-one solution for aspiring authors, offering them the education, tools, and resources they need to write, edit, publish, design, and market their books. We assist authors at all levels of their publishing journey, whether they’re looking for a literary agent to traditionally publish, are going all-in on their self-publishing venture, or are unsure of which book publishing path to take. We are a service-based platform, meaning all the creative power stays in the writers’ hands. No long-term agreements or contracts, no splitting royalties, and no sharing of your intellectual property. You tell us your aspirations and goals, and we’ll guide you to making them happen through our publishing services and author workshops.
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